DECISIONS: Lauren Hirons tries on a wedding dress at Bridal Boutique, Lowesmoor but will keep her actual dress a surprise for her big day. Picture by Nick Toogood 2114606701.

DECISIONS: Lauren Hirons tries on a wedding dress at Bridal Boutique, Lowesmoor but will keep her actual dress a surprise for her big day. Picture by Nick Toogood 2114606702.

I DO....OR DO I? Lauren Hirons discusses her possible dress with Suzanne Bacon-Lewis at Bridal Boutique, Lowesmoor but is keeping the dream dress she chose a closely guarded secret. Picture by Nick Toogood 2114606706.

DECISIONS: Lauren Hirons tries on a wedding dress at Bridal Boutique, Lowesmoor but will keep her actual dress a surprise for her big day. Picture by Nick Toogood 2114606703.

AN EXCITED bride-to-be was able to say yes to her dream wedding dress after winning an I Will Wedding Fair competition.

Lauren Hirons, from Alvechurch, said she still could not believe she had won her choice of stunning wedding dress from The Bridal Boutique, Lowesmoor, Worcester after entering the free prize draw at the spring fair.

The 29-year-old has picked out a stunning gown but is keeping it under wraps until her wedding to Leon Southern on April 25, 2015.

The couple will tie the knot at Malvern Registry Office, Great Malvern and enjoy a reception at the Mount Pleasant Hotel in Malvern

Miss Hirons, who works at Severn Trent as a technical assistant, said: "It was a lot more than I was planning on spending on my dress so it was really nice not having to worry about that aspect.

"I still can't believe it and I probably won't believe it until I am wearing it on our wedding day.

“The ladies at The Bridal Boutique were really helpful and down to earth. I had some ideas about what kind of dress I wanted beforehand but I was happy to be open-minded and try on new things.

“Winning the competition has made looking for a dress a lot more enjoyable – it has been a really nice experience.”

She said the dress she opted for "ticked all the boxes" and was excited to wear it.

Miss Hirons and Mr Southern met at a leaving party for a mutual friend who was emigrating to Australia.

“I met my future husband and my best friend left the country in the same week – it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.”

The pair clicked instantly over a shared love of cycling and walking and soon began dating.

After a year together, Leon surprised her with a beautiful, specially-designed, sapphire engagement ring at the top of Mount Snowden in June 2013.

Taking inspiration from their shared hobby, the big day will also be themed around cycling.

Personal touches will include a tandem design on their stationery and their wedding cake will be topped with a bride and groom sitting astride a tandem.